The city’s biggest-ever celebration of non-stop creativity has officially begun, inviting friends and families to discover an exciting line-up of non-stop free-to-play experiences, brand-new activations, and mega prizes worth AED 500,000 The citywide action continues until 11 May with endless opportunities for everyone across the city to take part, play, and win Tickets are still available for the festival’s most anticipated event - the flagship GameExpo event - exclusively on Platinumlist
Dubai,TNM: The epic fourth edition of Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 officially exploded into life last week, marking a sensational start to the festival’s biggest, most exciting, and most immersive edition to date. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an unforgettable high-energy celebration of endless fun, creativity, and family-friendly excitement brought together the entire emirate like never before. DEF’s packed calendar of exciting brand-new features, endless free-to-play experiences, mega prizes worth over AED 500,000, and much more will continue to invite friends, families, and fans of all ages, abilities, and interests to be part of the action until 11 May.
AN EPIC OPENING WEEKEND
A highlight of the DEF opening weekend was the JPEX Entertainment Exhibition at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, which proved incredibly popular with thousands of visitors who were enthralled with a vibrant showcase of Japanese anime, manga, cosplay, and pop culture. Fans immersed themselves in anime screenings, live performances, creative workshops, and more, enjoying an immersive celebration of traditional and modern Japanese entertainment.
Fans across the region started joining in all the action of DEF 2025 last week with the DEF PlayStation EA FC 25 Cup, which brings a thrilling wildcard qualification opportunity for two lucky UAE residents to compete alongside six regional finalists to win their share of $10,000 during live offline finals hosted at DEF’s flagship GameExpo event on 10 May.
The DEF Educational Engagement Programme continues to spark young imaginations citywide with thrilling workshops, electrifying competitions, and prize-winning challenges led by industry experts. The ENBD Fortnite Quest qualifiers unleashed a wave of high-energy matches for players of all levels, setting the stage for a live finale showdown on 8 May at GameExpo where finalists will have the chance to explore a custom-built Dubai-themed Fortnite map. The Minecraft Education Challenge wrapped up its group submissions that engaged primary school students in an interactive esports competition utilising the globally recognised Minecraft Education platform, paving the way for an epic grand finale where they will compete on a custom-built Dubai-themed map live on stage at GameExpo on 8 May. The programme will continue to blend innovation, education, and entertainment with exciting upcoming competitions like the GameOn with HP Gaming Garage and Power Up Parade, as well as expert-led presentations and exclusive workshops delivered by senior educators from Microsoft and Unreal Engine. Plus, students will have the chance to visit GameExpo as a school trip on 8 May to experience the world of gaming innovation first-hand.
MANY MORE THRILLS IN STORE
Endless more opportunities are still in store for everyone to take part, play, and win throughout DEF 2025 - be it through creative cosplay competitions, cutting-edge game reveals, meet-ups with gaming legends, and much more.
DEF’s eagerly awaited flagship event, GameExpo returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 9 to 11 May, this year in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3. Promising to be bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever, with eight themed gaming zones promising non-stop action for friends and families. The Retro Zone showcases iconic arcade machines, while the Emirates NBD Family Zone delivers epic gaming for the whole family. Making their debut this year are the brand-new The Amazon Quest: The New IRL Zone brought to you by Amazon and the Just Dance Zone in partnership with Ubisoft. The Main Arena and Gaming District promise to be the ultimate spots for high-energy competitions, interactive gaming challenges, and more. The Narrows, a vibrant marketplace, brings the latest exclusive merchandise and collectibles. Meanwhile, two dedicated talabat F&B Zones are set to create a lively space for attendees to relax and recharge between gaming sessions.
The action doesn’t stop there. Even more cutting-edge gaming experiences are in store from big-name brands, including epic experiences at Red Bull Gaming Grounds and Web3 Pavilion: Bitget X SWEAT, in addition to exciting activations by AI Vista Photobooth, Antifreeze, Benefit, Dubai Police, Gillette, Haribo, Nasr Esports Academy, Rove Hotels, and The Vintage Company.
Adding to the excitement of GameExpo, the Dubai Cosplay Championship calls all fans of anime, gaming, and pop culture for a spectacular showcase of creativity on 11 May. Exciting cash prizes worth up to AED 30,000 are up for grabs in a series of competitions, including the Cosplay Opening Act, Daily Cosplay Catwalk, and the final Cosplay Competition. The region’s leading cosplayers will not only judge participants but also participate in exclusive meet-and-greet sessions, offering fans the chance to connect and learn from their idols. Registration is open until 6 May through the Cosplay Registration Form.
Elevating the thrill of GameExpo, Play Beyond takes center stage on 10 and 11 May, bringing together the region’s top gaming influencers and esports pros for electrifying showdowns. MENA’s leading influencer, Abo Flah, returns to the stage, while creators face off in high-stakes showdowns for the coveted Play Beyond trophy. Fans can witness high-intensity matchups and take part in interactive gameplay challenges, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
The DEF x Roxy Cinemas Gamers Night brings the buzz of DEF to the big screen on 7 May with an exclusive one-night-only screening of Marvel’s Thunderbolts at Roxy Cinemas Dubai Hills Mall, City Walk, and The Beach, JBR. This special crossover event celebrates gaming and pop culture in a vibrant, community-first setting. Each attendee also receives a FREE Pro Gamer Pass to GameExpo, worth AED 199. With only 100 tickets available across all venues, DEF x Roxy Cinemas Gamers Night delivers a cinematic experience packed with festival energy and exclusive perks.
Fans across the region can continue climbing up the DEF leaderboard in a variety of tournaments, including the upcoming Yalla Ludo Challenge that kicks off from 29 April to 6 May with a chance for mobile gamers to unlock exclusive in-game prizes and leaderboard recognition.
Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 is supported by Strategic Partners which include: Amazon, du, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, Emirates NBD, Red Bull, Rove, Roxy Cinemas, talabat, and Virgin Radio.
For more information and to register for ticket updates on Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025, please visit the DEF 2025 website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram , TikTok, and LinkedIn.
